Abstract TRRT 2024 Dr. Yutichai Mueanngern Pradipasena
Fostering High-ability Students to Do Research in Chemistry at Kamnoetvidya Science Academy
Yutichai Mueanngern Pradipasena
Kamnoetvidya Science Academy, Wang Chan Valley, Rayong 21210, Thailand
Abstract
Kamnoetvidya Science Academy (KVIS) is one of the only high schools in Thailand to utilize graduate-school level scientific research in fostering student growth towards STEM-based disciplines. STEM-based education at the high school level is vital in producing high-quality graduates for academic and industrial sectors. KVIS aims to foster and inspire young students interested in STEM fields to pursue academic and professional careers in STEM related fields. To achieve these outcomes, KVIS utilizes research-project-based learning as a pedagogy tool. Upon entering KVIS at grade 10, students are required to enroll in Scientific Inquiry on the Nature of Science course (SINOS). In SINOS, students are taken through several levels where they are introduced to themes related to the scientific process involved in research. For the remainder of their years at KVIS, students in grades 11 and 12 are responsible for finding a research advisor and conducting research under the supervision of their respective advisors. Teachers in each department are professional scientists, each specializing in very specific scientific fields ranging from computational chemistry, plant pathology, plasma physics, surface science, materials science, organic chemistry, biochemistry, astrophysics, biophysics, nanoscience, devices, and various other STEM fields. Throughout the process students receive guidance and advice from their research advisor from the inception of the project till the project materializes into publishable/presentable results. Research groups at KVIS frequently publish in internationally ranked journals ranging from top tier quartile 1 journals to quartile 4 journals. KVIS alumni are often well regarded by higher education institutes for their academic abilities and strong research experience upon entering university.
Keywords: learning strategy, project-based learning, STEM Highschool